4 Days Ago

Wadri is NRM’s biggest threat in Arua Municipality, says Tanga Odoi

A file photo of Mr Kassiano Wadri when he still a Member of Parliament

By Benjamin Jumbe

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The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is scared of losing the Arua Municipality seat, in next week’s by-elections, due to internal disputes.

According to the party’s Electoral Commission chairman, Dr Tanga Odoi, while the party supports Ms Nusura Tiperu as its flag bearer, there are two NRM-leaning independent candidates who could divide the party’s support.

The two independents are Robert Ejiku and Jackson Atima.

He said that former Terego County MP, Mr Kassiano Wadri who is contesting as an independent candidate is a big threat to NRM.

“The Forum for Democratic Change candidate [Mr Bruce Musema] is not a serious threat but Kassiano Wadri is a big threat to the NRM,” he said.

The seat fell vacant after the death of Ibrahim Abiriga. Abiriga was shot dead together with his brother Saidi Kongo in June by men riding on a motorcycle as he approached his home in Kawanda, Wakiso District.

Meanwhile, the party has postponed its primaries in seven new districts due to lack of money.

On July 21, the party set August 14 as the date for primaries for the district Woman MP and LCV chairperson in the newly-created districts of Nailatuk, Kapelabyong, Bugweri, Kwania, Kassanda, Kikuube and the old district of Hoima.

Dr Odoi, however, told journalists at a press conference in Kampala on Thursday that new dates would be communicated.

“Due to unavailability of funds, the Commission hereby announces that primaries in the above mentioned districts which had been scheduled for Tuesday 14th August, 2018 have been postponed until further notice,” Dr Odoi said.